It’s a Bloody Adventure # 2
Northcentral Wisconsin
Dodge, Waupaca, Shawano, and Marathon Counties
On October 9, WiscoMaryMJ and WiscoMaryChristin got up very early for a 17-hour Bloody Adventure around Wisconsin.
Our first stop was Theresa, WI. This picturesque little community boasts the home of Widmer’s Cheese Cellars (214 W. Henni St.). The charming Swiss chalet-type building was bursting with cheese goodness when we walked in the door. The history of the place was on the walls, and coolers and a deli case held cheese, sausage, and more cheese.
We had a front-row view of the large cheesemaking vats as the workers went about their craft. It was fascinating to watch. We sampled the various types of cheeses, purchased our favorites, then continued on our way.
Our next destination was The Evanswood Village Shops to stop into The Wild Grape Wine Company (N1567 US-10, Weyauwega), a liquor store with an eclectic selection of spirits. We were on the hunt for Referent’s Horseradish Vodka (made in New Holland, WI with Wisconsin horseradish), but unfortunately, it was sold out. We did pick out a selection of Bloody Mary mixes, Moonshine brand Dill Pickles, Pickleback, and vodka.
On the road and a short drive to Weyauwega Star Dairy (109 N. Mill St.). We browsed the selection of cheeses, meats, and liquor, and picked up more Bloody Mary mix, cheese, and meat. Tours were not available, so we were a little disappointed.
After a very full morning, we were READY for a Bloody Mary! We chose to stay in Weyauwega, and found Haufschildt’s Brew Haus (111 E. Main St.). We ordered Bloody Marys, which were made with Major Peters’ Bloody Mary Mix, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, and celery salt, and topped with green olives, dill pickle, pickled cocktail onion, and a pickled Brussels sprout. We both had Old Style as our chaser. We decided lunch was in order, too, and had the comfort food staple – Grilled cheese with bacon and pub fries. Everything hit the spot, the bartender was amusing, and the patrons even more amusing. It was a perfect break before our drive to the next spot in Wittenberg.
After a drive through the pretty countryside and farming communities, we knew we were getting close to Nueske’s (1390 E. Grand Ave.) when we began seeing the Nueske’s old fashioned panel trucks parked on the side of the road.
Walking into Nueske’s smoke-scented shop was pure heaven. A long deli case full of smoked meats of every kind greeted us on our right, and coolers and freezer cases lined the walls and the aisles. Shelves stacked with candy, Big Buck Bloody Mary Mix, Nan’s Bloody Mary Mix, soda, BBQ and hot sauces, and maple syrup were also present. We had a terrific meeting with the store manager, who was extremely passionate about both Nueske’s and, happily, Bloody Marys! We got some great samples of sausage sticks and Landjaeger from him, and we bought the aforementioned Bloody Mary mixes, as well as several types of smoked meat.
Then it was time to leave, and head for our last destination in Wausau. We found Timekeeper Distillery (720 Grant St.) in the late afternoon. It’s housed in a repurposed train station that was built in 1901. Years of work went into it, and it shows.
We had a great meeting with Dan and Kimm Webber, the owners and distillers. They are passionate about their product and also about Wisconsin and Wisconsin products. We chose to stop here for two reasons – because we heard about their small, hand-crafted vodka, and because of their signature Bloody Mary – The Black and Bloody Umami Bloody Mary.
We took a tour of the distillery and learned about Timekeeper’s attention to detail and their passion for creating these fine spirits. The collection consists of Vodka, Gin, and Rye Whiskey.
The Black and Bloody Umami Bloody Mary was the brainchild of Dan and his across-the-street restaurant neighbor, Chef Joe Thomas. Chef Joe owns Black Umami Garlic Company, and after tasting his Black Umami Garlic Burger, Dan decided Black Umami Garlic would be the perfect addition to his hand-crafted Bloody Mary. And he was right. Black Umami Garlic adds richness, smokiness, and depth to an already fresh and fantastic Bloody Mary. Timekeeper Distillery Bloody Marys are made with vodka or botanical gin and topped with a pickle, marinated cocktail onion, and a cheese curd. Each Bloody Mary takes a few minutes to make, and they are $10 each.
After that fantastic Bloody Mary, WiscoMaryChristin, always the nerd, opted for a second craft cocktail called the Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde, which was gin-based and changed color. It was topped with a Pac-Man shaped lemon wedge. WiscoMaryMJ had a custom-made bourbon-based cocktail stirred by bartender Jameson. They shared a flatbread pizza, as well.
Then it was time to head back home. It was a long, fun-filled Bloody Adventure!
We can’t wait to do it again.